Aluminum Siding vs. Vinyl Siding

Aluminum and vinyl siding are two of the most common siding materials in use today. Vinyl siding is typically a little thicker than aluminum but both materials extremely durable. Vinyl is more susceptible to extreme temperatures and will become brittle during the winter months.

Aluminum siding on the other hand is quite dependable and isn’t vulnerable to colder weather and will maintain its strength throughout the year. While both aluminum and vinyl siding will expand and contract depending on the temperature, vinyl siding will expand and contract much more than aluminum siding.

One of the few downsides to aluminum siding is its vulnerabilities to scratches and dents, although these are easily repaired. Due to the nature of its finish, aluminum siding can pretty easily be scratched, removing the paint and exposing bare metal. Luckily aluminum siding is easier to paint than aluminum siding in case of scratches or if you decide you would like a different color on your house. Vinyl siding’s color is constant so scratched or not, it will maintain its color but it isn’t recommended that you try to paint vinyl.

Vinyl is a little cheaper than aluminum siding but not by much. What can make your aluminum siding more expensive is adding a vinyl finish for increased durability and resistance to dents and scratches. Overall, it is recommended that homeowners strongly consider both vinyl and aluminum siding for their home and determine exactly what will work best for them. If pricing isn’t as much of a factor then aluminum siding with the vinyl finish is recommended. If you’re looking for the cheapest option vinyl is your best bet, but it’s important to consider any potential maintenance costs involved.

Both of these products have their collective downsides. First, while they are durable, they are not the strongest materials on the market. Along the same lines, they are two of the cheapest options and will be therefore be susceptible to dents and scratches.